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Letrozole is
the generic name for a medication typically prescribed to combat
breast cancer in post-menopausal women, and less frequently to
treat other types of cancer or as a pre-treatment for pregnancy
termination.
There are a variety of circumstances in which Letrozole may be
prescribed to women battling breast cancer:
- The cancer has not responded to other treatments
- It is unknown if the cancer is hormone receptor positive
- To inhibit metastasization (spreading) of cancer
- The cancer has worsened with antiestrogen therapy
- To enhance effectiveness of other cancer treatments
- As a preventative measure in women at high risk of developing
breast cancer
Letrozole may be used at any stage of cancer growth, before or
after surgery, and is often prescribed in conjunction with other
cancer treatment therapies. Depending on the individual patient,
therapy may begin immediately after surgery or chemotherapy, or
years later.
This product is also sold under the brand name
Femara.
Letrozole Therapy for Breast Cancer:
Many breast cancers thrive on the hormone estrogen; this is called
hormone receptor positive breast cancer. With this type of cancer
the presence of estrogen in the body encourages cancer to grow and
spread. Conversely, the less estrogen present, the slower the
growth and spread of the cancer.
In pre-menopausal women most estrogen is produced by the ovaries.
In post-menopausal women, estrogen is primarily produced by the
adrenal glands.
Letrozole works by inhibiting estrogen production in the adrenal
glands, which in turn inhibits the spread and growth of hormone
receptor positive cancer. In certain high-risk women it may also be
used as a preventative therapy.
Because it does not inhibit estrogen production in the ovaries,
Letrozole is generally not very effective as a treatment for
hormone receptor positive cancer in pre-menopausal women. There are
rare occasions, however, in which it does prove useful and may be
prescribed.
Taking Letrozole:
Letrozole comes as a tablet, taken once daily with fluids and with
or without food. For best results it should be taken at the same
time each day. Missed doses should be taken as soon as
remembered.
Dosage strength will vary depending on a number of factors,
including patient response to treatment and other medications being
taken. Dosage may be adjusted periodically during Letrozole
therapy.
Treatment with this medication may span years, and is often
recommended after similar medications, namely tamoxifen, has
already been taken for several years.
Patients treating estrogen responsive cancer should take care to
avoid products containing estrogen. Some common examples
include:
- Lotions or facial cremes containing estrogen
- Certain foods, particularly soy products and flax seeds
- Birth control pills
- Hormone replacement therapies
- Certain health supplements
Side Effects:
Most side effects associated with Letrozole are mild and disappear
entirely as the body adjusts to the medication. A physician should
be consulted if adverse effects persist or worsen over time:
- Frequent or worsening headaches
- Night sweats or hot flashes
- Edema (swelling of hands or feet)
- Persistent nausea or stomach pain
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Extreme fatigue
- Rash, hives, itchiness or swelling of the face (allergic
reaction)
Women taking Letrozole or similar drugs over time are at increased
risk of developing osteoporosis. Bone density may be monitored
during treatment, and risk of fractures or breaks is increased.
Osteoporosis medications may be prescribed in conjunction with
Letrozole.
This medication is harmful to nursing infants and may cause
miscarriage or birth defects in unborn babies. Use during pregnancy
should be avoided.
Certain medications will interact with Letrozole and may reduce its
effectiveness or cause dangerous side effects. Consult a doctor or
pharmacist before mixing medications.
This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects. Please
read the documentation included with the medication for more
detailed information prior to use.